National Housing Policy to be unveiled by March: Deputy Minister

Tuesday, 13 January 2026 02:12 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government will unveil an inclusive National Housing Policy by March, aimed at addressing poverty alleviation, internal displacement caused by war, and post-disaster housing needs as climate-related catastrophes become more frequent.

Housing, Construction and Water Supply Deputy Minister T.B. Sarath told journalists that past housing programs were often politicised, poorly planned, and disconnected from ground realities, failing to adequately reflect local preferences, community participation, and reconstruction practices.

He acknowledged that implementation hurdles remain, including the need to integrate State agencies and community needs more effectively and secure consistent long-term funding.

He also noted that limited understanding among international organisations of Sri Lanka’s historical housing policies and power dynamics had led to the uncritical acceptance of flawed approaches.

Housing, Construction and Water Supply Ministry Secretary Eng. Kumudu Lal Bogahawatta said the country has attempted several times to introduce a comprehensive National Housing Policy, but previous efforts struggled to balance construction, financing mechanisms, and social welfare objectives, particularly in addressing complex urban and rural housing needs.

Sri Lanka’s last formally approved National Housing Policy dates back to 2014 and is currently under revision. The policy framework aims to ensure affordable and sustainable housing across all income groups, with a focus on urban slum clearance, low-income communities, public servants, and plantation workers, primarily through programs implemented by the National Housing Development Authority (NHDA) and Urban Development Authority (UDA).